Sussex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY? </h2>



<p>Why not Fittleworth? This petite West Sussex village has been likened to Chipping Norton, but with less swagger and more soul. Yes, there are a few celebrity residents, but the real stars are the big skies, rich history and community spirit (the award-winning, community-owned village shop says it all). It may be small, but it punches above its weight with historic churches, glorious views and culture close by, plus the Serpent Trail – a 64-mile ramble through heathland, woodland and along the River Rother – is right on the doorstep. Add easy links to Pulborough, Petworth, the coast in an hour and London in two, and you’ve got country living that ticks all the boxes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/07/image-1.png" alt="The Hungry Guest Deli Fittleworth Sussex" class="wp-image-73167" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/07/image-1.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/07/image-1-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/07/image-1-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/07/image-1-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The village’s local pub, <a href="https://swaninnfittleworth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Swan Inn</a>, is a Grade-II listed coaching house that dates back to the 14th century – crikey, that’s older than Muddy! It’s had a refurbishment recently and serves up a good ploughman’s, fish caught locally that morning, suet-crust pies and traditional pub grub. For a more casual affair, <a href="https://fittleworthstores.co.uk/the-cafe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fittleworth<strong> </strong>Stores Café</a> – part of that same celebrated shop – is a local hub serving cakes, croissants and coffees as well as light lunches with a warming vibe. </p>



<p>You don’t have to travel far to find more foodie gems. Petworth is just 7 mins in<strong> </strong>the car and you can stock up at <a href="https://thehungryguest.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hungry Guest Deli</a> (above), famous locally for its artisan delights, plus butchers, fishmongers and bakery. For a nostalgic treat, there’s a traditional sweet shop, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cococafeuk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Coco Café &amp; Sugar Lounge</a>, which also doubles as a café serving baked treats. For fine dining head to <a href="https://estreetbarandgrill.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">E. Street Bar &amp; Grill</a>, where you&#8217;ll find modern dining with a focus on grilled dishes and locally sourced meat and fish. </p>



<p>Fill your pantry at <a href="https://www.petworth-tc.gov.uk/farmers-market-working-group/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Petworth Farmers’ Market</a> and while you&#8217;re there, pop along to <a href="https://langhambrewery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Langham Brewery</a> to satisfy your ale needs. You’re in gastro country pub heaven around here, as well as dangerous proximity to Sussex&#8217;s host of vineyards. Cheers!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/07/1-3.jpg" alt="Fittleworth Stores Sussex" class="wp-image-73170" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/07/1-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/07/1-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/07/1-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/07/1-3-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The wildly respected <a href="https://fittleworth-pc.org.uk/fittleworth-community-shop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fittleworth Stores</a> was awarded best village shop in the UK for 2024&nbsp;– impressive! It’s community run and ticks all your local needs – there is a shop, café, and post office – but most importantly it’s where locals meet and you can get a real feel for the community here. The shop is open seven days a week and sells local produce, groceries and freshly baked goods, as well as gifts and artisan crafts. </p>



<p>Sadly the village’s gallery has closed down but head into Petworth for antiques galore. Muddy’s choice is <a href="https://bearpetworth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bear Petworth</a>, which has a mix of modern and antique pieces. Homeware and interiors are hot property too – <a href="https://tallulahfox.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tallulah Fox</a> has a delicious range of unique homeware that will make your purse itch. For gifts, there’s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/redcardsussex/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Card</a>, a mini emporium of cards, gifts and toys, and <a href="https://www.oakappletrading.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oakapple Trading Company</a>. Local staples include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/petworthbookshop/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Petworth Bookshop</a>, which offers an eclectic range, <a href="https://www.spriggsflorist.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spriggs Florist</a>, and <a href="https://www.guiltlingerie.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guilt Lingerie</a>, which also carries  loungewear in silk and cashmere. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>Sports-wise you’re in a sweet spot here, with water-based fun on your doorstep; check out <a href="https://www.pulboroughpaddles.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pulborough Paddles</a> to hire canoes, kayaks and paddle boards to take on the River Arun. If you’re feeling brave, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/southdowngliding/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southdown Gliding Club</a>, also in Pulborough, can see you take to the skies, phew! And to get you grounded again, <a href="https://www.bentleypilatesandwellbeing.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bentley Pilates and Wellbeing</a> in the village offers reformer and mat classes.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>This is Fittleworth’s secret weapon – there’s a strong spirit here with community events and numerous clubs. Fancy your hand at a pat-a-cake polka? The folk dance club puts on monthly shows in the village hall, plus there&#8217;s a rifle club and running club and the village even has its own football team. There are two churches in the village too, which offer another opportunity for connection and, or course, community.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/07/image-2.png" alt="Cowdray Estate with it’s Tudor ruins and many local events Sussex" class="wp-image-73172" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/07/image-2.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/07/image-2-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/07/image-2-768x511.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Does drinking wine count? If so you’ve <a href="https://www.tinwoodestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tinwood</a>, <a href="https://stophamvineyard.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stopham</a>, <a href="https://www.uppertonvineyards.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Upperton</a> and <a href="https://www.kinsbrookvineyard.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kinsbrook</a> vineyards close by to soak up the local atmosphere. <a href="https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/walthambrooks?s=getting-around" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waltham Brooks Nature Reserve</a> is nearby to explore, and it’s just 15 mins drive to the <a href="https://www.cowdray.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cowdray Estate</a> (above) with its Tudor ruins and many local events, including the Cowdray polo.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>It may no longer have its own gallery, but Fittleworth still has its place in the art world. The village has inspired famous artists, including JMW Turner, whose work depicting the Mill House on the River Rother is displayed at the Tate. </p>



<p>Check out <a href="https://www.ottocento.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ottocento</a> in Petworth for contemporary art, and in the centre of the town is the grade-ll listed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leconfieldhall.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leconfield Hall</a>, a cultural hub that shows films and hosts live music and events. Nearby <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house-and-park">Petw</a><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house-and-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orth House</a>,&nbsp;run by the National Trust, sits prettily in 700 acres of parkland complete with roaming deer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>House prices in Fittleworth average £600,000. Detached homes go for just shy of £800,000 while terraced properties sell for £500,000.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Untitled-design-254.jpg" alt="A converted barn in Fittleworth, Sussex" class="wp-image-79856" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Untitled-design-254.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Untitled-design-254-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Untitled-design-254-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Untitled-design-254-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A versatile 5-7 bed barn conversion, with swimming pool and tennis court, <a href="https://www.knightfrank.co.uk/properties/residential/for-sale/lower-street-fittleworth-west-sussex-rh20/hsm012480766" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on the market at £2.895m</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>The only nursery, <a href="https://www.littlebirdsnursery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Birds Forest</a>, has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted and takes inspiration from Scandinavian forest-school principles.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.theweald.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Weald</a> school in Billingshurst is rated good for its quality of education and outstanding for its sixth form provision. For independents, just south of Petworth in East Lavington is <a href="https://www.seaford.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seaford College</a>,&nbsp;a highly regarded boarding and day co-ed for ages 11–18 yrs. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>The village has a high celeb rating. Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music fame has a house here, while David Gilmour and Mumford &amp; Sons bassist Ted Dwane live nearby. The late Dame Maggie Smith used to live here.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>A very quick car ride and you’ll be at Pulborough station where trains take 80 mins to London Victoria and just over an hour to Brighton.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 260 Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


Fittleworth

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